I started with a 4″ x 5.25″ mixed media paper from Strathmore. (I like it because it has a smooth surface to work with and holds wet media pretty well). I taped the paper down with washi tape to prevent it from moving as I am working on it and it helps reduce warping of the paper.

I chose three colors of distress inks for my background. I used the “ink smooshing” technique with some old packaging. This technique is literally dabbing some ink onto the piece of packaging and spraying water to the ink. Then take the packaging and “smoosh” on to the paper and just let the ink smudge wherever you like.

My first color is Squeezed Lemonade. Make sure the ink smudge is dry before moving onto the next color. You can let it air dry or dry it with a heat tool.

My next color, I used Wild Honey and “smoosh” it to the center area of the paper and I dried the paper with the heat tool.

You may add more color and repeat the same process until you get the look that you like. For me, I did add more Squeezed Lemonade to some areas after the Wild Honey dried.

The next color I chose was Ripe Persimmon and repeated the same process. If it is not dry, the color may mixed to be just one color.

I used the same homemade textured paste which I colored with gold paint (leftover from my previous card) and chose a Heidi Swapp chevron stencil. The stencil was a 12×12 stencil so it was a little big to work with on a small card so you may need tape it down. I spread the texture paste with a palette knife but you can use a gift card or a Popsicle stick.

Then I chose a Hampton Art chevron stencil which came with a stamp set called Mod Greetings. I prefer this stencil because it is an adhesive backed stencil, so it is easier to work with. (There are temporary spray adhesive available for stencils) Then I let the panel air-dry once I am finished. You have to clean the stencil right away after using it with texture paste, otherwise it would be very hard to clean later.

While I let panel to dry, I picked a brown polka dot scrap piece of paper and stamped and fussy-cut a flower from Sizzix Framelits Die with Stamps with Echo Park Stamp Note to Self #2 set.

I picked a lime green scrap piece of paper to use the coordinating die of the stamped flower. I did this so I can layer the flower I fussy cut better.

Then I punched another orange scrap piece of paper with my EK Success Punch that actually fit the flower shape really well.

Then I used from leftover paper and die cut in my stash to build my card.

I layered the flower with pop-dot so the flower can have more dimension and adhere the flowers to my card.

I used the sentiment “You are such a good friend” from an old stamp set from EK Success Timeless Phrases and stamped it with Ranger Watering Can archival ink. I actually prefer a grey ink for most of my sentiments. I think it gives a softer look.

I used Martha Stewart butterfly punch to further embellish the card.

I prepared a card base out of Kraft cardstock.

Here are some close up pictures.

I liked how the card turned out. Can you see the lines from the background? A lovely surprise from my “ink-smooshing’. I really enjoy using stencils on cards.

Thank you so much for sharing your technique with us! I will definitely have to give this “smooching” a try! This is such a stunning card too! I am so glad that you stopped by Sketch N Scrap and shared your masterpiece with us!

Hello, I am Karen. Welcome to my blog! I love all papercrafting. I love to make cards for my friends and family. I also love scrapbooking my life important moments. I just want to share my passion for papercrafting with you!

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